munch away your madness… we got you covered.
You’re miles away from a home-cooked meal, Dominoe’s is just a phone call away and vending machines are everywhere during study breaks. As a student, it is nearly impossible to always have fresh produce on hand, let alone even THINK about going Paleo. Taking the time to pre-plan your eating habits is neither convenient nor practical at this stage in our lives. Therefore, I have constructed a quick list of the best pre-packaged foods for you guys whether you are on the way to a basketball game, cramming for the next test, or simply hanging out with friends. Browse the products below based on your taste bud’s current craving.
Something Sweet
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, plums, etc.).. just make sure to keep the portion size at a small handful due to the high sugar content!
- Special K fruit crisps – these things come in a nice 100 calorie pack and taste like a Pop Tart’s cousin
- Quaker Soft baked bars – packed with enough fiber to keep you fuller longer.
- Kashi soft pumpkin pie granola bar
- Kind Fruit and nut bars
- Emerald 100-calorie pack cocoa almonds
- ½ cup (small handful) of a whole-grain cereal (such as Kashi Go Lean!)
- Jell-O Mousse Temptations
- Weight Watchers Chocolate Crème cake
- Pepperidge farm Goldfish s’mores crackers
- 2 full graham cracker sheets
- Tablespoon of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Handful of animal crackers (about 13 Stauffer’s animal crackers)
Something Salty
- Orville Redenbacher’s 100-Calorie pop mini bags
- Pirate’s booty (like cheese puffs, but better)
- 16 Rold gold pretzel mini twists
- Ruffles or Lay’s baked chips
- Triscuit Thin Crisps
- Roasted Edamame
- Terra Exotic Harvest Vegetable Chips
- Simply Naked Pita Chips
- Small handful of Planter’s roasted peanuts
- Humble’s Hummus Chips
Smart On-the-Go Drinks
- Water… duh
- Skinny Water
- Starbucks Refresher’s to-go (pour into water; just 35 cal per serving)
- PowerAde Zero
- Unsweetened Green tea
Just a reminder: These foods are indeed healthier alternatives as opposed to hot-dog from a concession stand or that king-size Snicker’s bar. But, of course, be mindful of portion sizes. Too much of a good thing is never beneficial! AND: they should never completely replace other wholesome foods!
If you guys have discovered any more health foodie finds give a shout!
Survival of the Fittest
Classes, work, sleep, events.. all make it seem impossible to stay wholesome on the go. However, here are a few staples I always keep in my room when it comes to living at such a fast pace. Below is a short list of some basic “survival” foods. You can buy these anywhere, including the dollar store. Low-cal and low-cost? It’s a go!
- Whole grain quick-cooking oats: Put a splenda packet after microwaving (in a microwave safe bowl of course) and you have sweetened cereal on the go.
- Cliff bars – As a frequent exerciser, I keep one on hand. I usually eat half to pre-fuel and the other half to post-fuel in between mealtimes.
- Bagel thins – lighter than the real thing, and extremely portable.
- Peanut Butter – (perfect to put on that bagel thin!) or on crackers, whole-grain toast, it’s my miracle food. I usually go for Simply Jif 33% less sugar or one with Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Bags of green tea – Perfect for between meals, or can serve as a great de-stressor before bed.
- Unsalted almonds – Probably the more pricey item listed. But worth it! They promote a healthy heart and have the protein needed to keep you full. Put a handful in a ziplock – you’re golden.
- Dark chocolate – To be honest, it is hard to keep the serving size in control, but with some willpower I know the right amount with provide me with enough and antioxidants and keep me happy – afterall, it is chocolate!
